SFAI Reimagined by Philanthropist 🎓, Apocalypse Art 🔥, 18th ARC Salon 🏆
And other stories from this week in the realism art movement
🌟 Mainstream
San Francisco Art Institute Becomes Free Experimental Studio Program
The San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI) has transitioned to the California Academy of Studio Arts (CASA) following its bankruptcy and closure in 2022. Philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs acquired the SFAI campus and its iconic Diego Rivera mural to revitalize the space, which will now host a free, yearlong program for emerging artists. CASA aims to engage the community through exhibitions and workshops while restoring public access to Rivera’s mural, with renovations set to begin this fall.
Leader of Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum to depart after a decade at the helm
Josh Basseches, director and chief executive of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), will leave his position at the end of the year after a decade of transformative leadership. Under his guidance, the ROM saw significant renovations, including the C$130 million OpenROM project aimed at enhancing public space and gallery offerings, and it became Canada’s most-visited museum, attracting over 1.1 million visitors in 2024. Basseches faced challenges, including a controversy over the censorship of art, but he emphasized the museum's role as a cultural hub with a global reputation and a commitment to accessibility.
👩🎨 Artist Features
Alan Michelson’s Answer to the “Vanishing Indian” Myth
Artist Alan Michelson, who was separated from his Native heritage at birth, reflects on his journey and childhood admiration for Cyrus Dallin's sculpture "Appeal to the Great Spirit" at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. In response, he created "The Knowledge Keepers," a pair of platinum-gilded bronze sculptures representing contemporary Indigenous leaders, which challenge the "Vanishing Indian" myth and honor the ongoing vitality of Native communities. Michelson's works serve as a powerful dialogue with history, inviting viewers to reconsider established narratives and the significance of Indigenous presence in today's society.
Artist Spotlight: Susan Hediger Matteson - Fine Art Connoisseur
Artist Susan Hediger Matteson shares her approach to finding inspiration, emphasizing the importance of painting local scenes and revisiting favorite spots for refinement. She particularly enjoys capturing the dynamic beauty of weather conditions, stating that days of snow and rain provide abundant opportunities for creativity.
🎨 Learn
Apocalypse Art Has Never Been More Relevant
The exhibition "Apocalypse: Today and Tomorrow" at the Bibliothèque nationale de France explores the themes of the Book of Revelation through a selection of Medieval manuscripts and modern interpretations by artists like Albrecht Dürer and Wassily Kandinsky. The show critiques moral complacency and the fixation on end-times narratives, emphasizing the ethical message of choosing virtue over vice.
6 Reasons Oil Painters Should Learn Pastel - Realism Today
A leading artist is offering online painting workshops through Pastel Live and PaintTube.tv, emphasizing the benefits of working in multiple mediums. Exploring both pastel and oil can enhance an artist's skills, as techniques in one medium can inform and improve work in another. William Schneider will teach at Pastel Live from September 17-19, 2025, highlighting essential techniques for artists interested in expanding their practice.
📚 History
Rachel Ruysch’s Still Lifes Are Both Sensuous and Scientific
The Toledo Museum of Art hosts the first major exhibition dedicated to Dutch Golden Age painter Rachel Ruysch, showcasing her vibrant floral and fruit arrangements alongside insects. The exhibition highlights Ruysch's scientific background and her engagement with natural history, featuring global plant species that reflect the colonial trading networks of the 17th century. Curators also place Ruysch's work in dialogue with that of her sister Anna and other female artists, emphasizing the interplay between beauty, science, and the fragility of life in Ruysch's art.
ART & ARTISTS: Frank Brangwyn - part 10
Frank Brangwyn (1867-1956) was a British artist known for his diverse work as a painter, printmaker, and designer. He trained under William Morris and served as an Official War Artist during World War I, gaining recognition for his skill in etching and lithography. Brangwyn is particularly celebrated for his murals, notably a series commissioned by the House of Lords that depicted themes of the British Empire.
💼 Opportunities
Call For Entries: 18th Int'l ARC Salon Competition
The 18th International ARC Salon Competition is open for entries, inviting artists worldwide to compete in various categories, including figurative, portraiture, and sculpture. With over $130,000 in cash awards and the potential for international recognition, this prestigious competition attracts thousands of participants, making it a significant opportunity for artists. The deadline for submissions is June 12, 2025.
Check out some of the 2025 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, Drawing Entries
The Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize is now open for entries until July 17, 2025, offering artists a chance to be featured in Beautiful Bizarre Magazine and win part of a $77,000 prize pool. Participants can submit work across various visual art mediums and styles to gain exposure and potentially exhibit alongside prominent contemporary artists. This competition aims to celebrate diverse artistic talent and support artists' careers through increased visibility and funding.
💰 Auction House
Early J.M.W. Turner Oil Painting to Sell for £300,000
J.M.W. Turner's early oil painting, *The Rising Squall, Hot Wells*, is set to auction with an estimated value of £200,000–£300,000, after being misattributed for decades. The painting, created when Turner was 17, features storm clouds over the Avon Gorge and reflects his innovative style. Following its restoration, which revealed Turner's signature, the work will be exhibited at Sotheby’s London before its sale on July 2, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of Turner's birth.
I hope you enjoyed this edition of The Classical Realist.
Best regards,
Fletcher Graham